Latest news with #MyKiosk
Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Malaysia moves to clean up its street food scene with shiny new kiosks topped with solar panels
While the project has generally been given the thumbs up by the public, criticisms include low traffic and poor earnings at some locations. PHOTO: MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT MALAYSIA/FACEBOOK Malaysia moves to clean up its street food scene with shiny new kiosks topped with solar panels KUALA LUMPUR - Mr Syed Nurul Fakhri was selling nasi kandar under a flimsy canopy in Petaling Jaya city for five years, setting up his stall in the mornings and packing things up in the evenings to avoid his utensils from being stolen overnight. That routine changed a month ago when he received the keys to a new kiosk, solar-powered with LED lights and a lockable door, in the same area. 'I am very thankful for the kiosk,' the 45-year old told The Straits Times. 'I can lock up my things. They won't go missing.' The clean surroundings where similar kiosks have also been set up by the Malaysian government has helped sales of his nasi kandar, or rice served with curries and other dishes. The monthly rent of RM120 (S$36) is 'reasonable', he said, adding that it's early days yet. His takings were as much as RM500 a day previously. He is among thousands of Malaysian street hawkers who are giving these shiny new food kiosks a try, with the government sinking RM150 million into MyKiosk. The project was launched in 2023 to give small traders the opportunity to run their businesses legally, in a standardised, safe and hygienic environment, as well as relocating them to more strategic locations. After selling nasi kandar under a canopy for five years, Mr Syed Nurul Fakhri now runs his business at a brand-new MyKiosk in the same area. ST PHOTO: HAZLIN HASSAN The project's main promoter is the hard-charging Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, who said the government is giving a leg up to small traders, many of whom operate in unregulated conditions. Street hawkers all over the country often set up makeshift stalls by the roadside, selling drinks, banana fritters and fried noodles, among other things. 'With MyKiosk, we are 'legalising' their businesses by offering free rental for the first six months and (thereafter) a maximum rental rate of RM10 per day,' Mr Nga said earlier in May . Vendor Mohd Azizan, who rents a kiosk in the same location in Selangor state as Mr Syed Nurul, said: 'Customers say the place looks clean and attractive. This is better and more comfortable for me too.' Since moving into his kiosk on May 14, daily sales for his rojak buah (Asian fruit salad) have jumped from RM100 to between RM180 and RM200. Still, not everyone has had such a positive start. Ms Jamilah (not her real name), used to sell nasi lemak near bustling Jalan Tun Razak in capital Kuala Lumpur for two years, setting up her stall under a shady tree. There was no rent to pay, so she enjoyed good earnings. But like other street vendors in Malaysia, operating without a licence could get her into trouble when the municipal authorities conducted their regular checks. 'I used to sell nasi lemak by the roadside. Sales were better, but I got chased away by the authorities. I applied for this (kiosk) because it's legal,' she said. Ms Jamilah moved to her RM300-a-month kiosk in the Klang Valley area in September 2024, more than 5km away from her former spot. Business is still 'quite slow', she says, with daily sales of around RM300 to RM400 a day compared to about RM500 prior to the move. While the MyKiosk project has generally been given the thumbs up by the public for cleaning up the street food scene, criticisms include low traffic and poor earnings at some locations, as well as shortcomings about water and electricity supply. Mr Nga, the Cabinet minister, had praised the solar panels atop each kiosk, saying these eliminated electricity bills, but some vendors have posted on social media and spoken to reporters about the solar power generated lasting for only about four hours in the evenings. Others pointed to the lack of water supply or even a sink for washing, and that some kiosks were in low-traffic areas, which resulted in poor sales. 'The location is not so good. I advertised on Facebook, but some people (still) couldn't find my kiosk,' said Ms Jamilah. She said the solar power generated at her kiosk usually lasts for four to five hours from 6pm, and there is no piped-in water or available supply nearby. 'I have to bring my own mineral water supply and a power bank for additional lights,' she added. The ceiling has also been leaking and there was what looked like mould growth in her kiosk, she said. 'I was told I had to fix it myself. I painted over the 'mould', but it came back. It isn't safe for the food,' she added. Another vendor in that same location closed shop after just a month due to poor sales, she noted. In Selangor's Pandan Jaya township, of the 10 kiosks available for rent, only one was rented out and that, too, was shut when ST visited on an afternoon on May 27. In Selangor's Pandan Jaya township, of the 10 kiosks available for rent, only one was rented out and that, too, was shut when ST visited on an afternoon on May 27. ST PHOTO: HAZLIN HASSAN Mr Mike Chong Yew Chuan of the Malaysian Chinese Association, a member of the multi-coalition government, told ST there were concerns over transparency, pricing discrepancies, procurement, and overall governance of the MyKiosk programme. He said that Mr Nga has said kiosks in the Perak cities of Taiping and Ipoh were built at RM13,000 each. But in Melaka state, the same kiosk model cost up to RM22,000. 'Even after accounting for transport and local logistics, such a price gap is indefensible,' he said. On May 22, the housing ministry submitted documents related to the MyKiosk initiative to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, insisting that no funds were misused. Mr Nga said that a RM25,000 kiosk was be the ceiling price per unit for the project, and that some kiosks had been constructed for as little as RM13,000 through open bidding by local councils. He said MyKiosk was managed by local municipal councils, with 795 contractors participating in the project, thereby ruling out allegations of cronyism. He said price differences also stemmed from major upgrades in the improved version of the kiosks, rolled out under MyKiosk 2.0. These include larger solar energy capacity, improved electrical systems such as LED lighting, hydraulic windows and better-designed modules. 'These are Malaysia's first green energy kiosks,' Mr Nga said, noting that the new solar panels could generate electricity for up to 12 hours compared to four in the previous version. According to his ministry, the MyKiosk 1.0 project achieved a 87.74 percent uptake, while MyKiosk 2.0 that was launched in December 2024 has a 65.44 per cent take-up rate. A row of MyKiosks in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, yet to be occupied. ST PHOTO: HAZLIN HASSAN Responding to criticisms that the kiosks were located in poor low-traffic areas in Johor, state housing and local government exco member Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said it would review the MyKiosk locations. 'I have told the 16 local councils statewide to brainstorm and relocate those kiosks to more strategic places. We should help to promote the locations and offer training courses to the traders in need so they can improve their food products,' he was quoted as saying on May 23 by The Star daily. In a separate venture to clean up street hawking, the government has also been boosting the food-truck scene by setting aside car parks and open areas for open-air dining in the evening, all over Malaysia. The Covid-19 pandemic led to a boom in the food truck industry as many jobless Malaysians scrambled to find ways to stay afloat. Hazlin Hassan is Malaysia correspondent at The Straits Times. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
MBKS to act on illegal hawkers as MyKiosk uptake stalls
Photo shows one of the fruit stalls at the MyKiosk in Tabuan Jaya. — Photo by Aileen Yap KUCHING (May 30): Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng has addressed concerns over the vacant MyKiosk units in Tabuan Jaya, stressing that enforcement action will soon be taken against illegal hawkers who refuse to relocate despite repeated offers from the council. His clarification comes in response to recent remarks by Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen, who noted that many of the kiosks have remained unoccupied for more than six months since their launch. The MyKiosk initiative, Wee pointed out, was meant to strengthen entrepreneurship, uplift the community's social economy, and provide a safer, more suitable trading environment. 'Priority was given to the B40 (low-income) group and, most importantly, to the relocation of unlicensed traders – those operating in unsuitable and unsafe locations,' he said when met during a site visit yesterday. 'All identified unlicensed hawkers in the Tabuan Jaya area had been invited for briefings and interviews. While some accepted the offer, the majority declined.' Wee added that the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) had done its part in engaging with the traders, and with most refusing to cooperate, enforcement is now the only remaining option. 'We are talking to them, trying to convince them, but it takes time to convince people. 'Now, there is no other choice – we will issue a final notice to all eligible applicants. 'If they fail to comply, we will enforce. If that's what is expected of us, enforcement action will be taken against those who reject the offer without valid reasons.' Wee noted that as of now, out of 40 illegal traders identified in the vicinity, only five had agreed to move into the kiosks. He added that the 28 available stalls would be filled on a first-come, first-served basis during the next application intake in July. Wee also addressed concerns over affordability, stating that kiosk rentals were capped at RM300 monthly, with MBKS charging only RM280 every six months – less than RM2 per day. 'To further encourage take-up, the council is offering six months of free rent.' In this regard, Wee urged eligible hawkers to come forward if they felt their current trading spots were unsafe or if they needed a permanent space to display their goods. However, he reminded them that all applicants must still undergo an interview process, as the kiosks were not being filled merely for the sake of occupancy. 'These facilities here are insufficient to support cooking and related activities because there is no water. So, those are the things we will neither encourage nor allow,' he added. Regarding kiosk applications, Wee explained that the MBKS followed a quarterly schedule. 'The next intake is in July. Is it wrong to tell you to apply then? Nothing wrong, right? 'Don't just keep saying 'when you open, then you open la'. And before we open, don't come and start shouting,' he joked. Wee stressed that the council welcomed suggestions, but urged that they be constructive and not politically motivated. illegal hawkers MBKS MyKiosk wee hong seng
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
MyKiosk units in Tabuan Jaya remain vacant, says Chong
Chong addresses the issue of underutilised MyKiosk units during his site visit. KUCHING (May 27): The MyKiosk units at Tabuan Jaya remain unoccupied more than six months after their construction, said DAP Sarawak chairman and Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen. Chong attributed the lack of interest to initial restrictions imposed by the Kuching City South Council (MBKS), which only allowed fruits to be sold at the kiosks ― despite the presence of nearby hawkers already selling fruits, vegetables, and plants. 'Even though MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng recently said vegetables can also be sold there, those who went to apply were told applications are closed until July,' Chong said during a Facebook livestream from the MyKiosk site at Tabuan Jaya. He offered two suggestions to improve the situation: 'First, allow a wider variety of goods to be sold here, and quickly open applications for interested hawkers. Second, consider relocating the kiosks slightly to make room for more parking ― at least 50 scapes could be added.' Chong also criticised the current placement of the kiosks, saying they occupy too much space and have reduced parking availability for nearby shopkeepers, hawkers, their customers, and residents. He noted that the MyKiosk project at Tabuan Jaya was federally funded, while MBKS was responsible for the construction tender process. 'This is a good policy from the federal government,' he said, calling for better implementation at the local level. According to a recent news report, a total of 7,235 kiosk units have been built under the 2023 and 2024 national budgets, with 562 units – or approximately 7.8 per cent – allocated to Sarawak. The MyKiosk initiative aims to support the B40 group and micro, small and medium enterprises by providing standardised, safe and comfortable business spaces to boost income and socio-economic standing. Chong Chieng Jen hawkers kiosks lead MyKiosk
The Star
24-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
MyKiosk to be relocated for better support
ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor will review MyKiosk locations to better assist traders and help improve their business, says a state executive councillor. Housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor ( pic ) said the MyKiosk project was a positive initiative as it provides a place for underprivileged families and single parents to sell food. 'I have told the 16 local councils statewide to brainstorm and relocate those kiosks to more strategic places. We should help to promote the locations and offer training courses to the traders in need so they can improve their food products,' he told the state assembly here yesterday. The MyKiosk 2.0 project has faced scrutiny concerning its costs, site selection and other details. On Tuesday, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming reportedly said he welcomed the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to 'have tea' at the ministry over the project.
Sinar Daily
23-05-2025
- Business
- Sinar Daily
From RM15,000 to RM25,000: MyKiosk 2.0 gets solar panels, hydraulic windows
Following the positive reception of MyKiosk 1.0, 18 upgrades were made, including modular installation (fully detachable units), solar panels with batteries and sloped roofing. New MyKiosk 2.0 units come with higher price tag, enhanced design SHAH ALAM - The cost of MyKiosk 2.0 units has increased compared to MyKiosk 1.0, reflecting significant upgrades made in response to feedback from traders and local authorities (PBTs). Launched four months ago, a MyKiosk 2.0 unit is now priced at RM25,000, up from RM15,000 for the MyKiosk 1.0 programme introduced in 2023. MyKiosk is a KPKT initiative that helps small traders get licences and provides them with a better, more comfortable place to do business. The Local Government Department (JKT) under the Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) clarified that, following the positive reception of MyKiosk 1.0, 18 upgrades were made, including modular installation (fully detachable units), solar panels with batteries and sloped roofing. KPKT also stated that funding for the project was allocated to PBTs based on the cost outlined in the Letter of Acceptance (SST), which had been approved during the PBT-level Price Committee Meeting (JKSH). 'The increase in cost to RM25,000 reflects design specification upgrades that make the kiosks more user-friendly. 'These now feature larger solar energy systems, upgraded electrical systems with LED lighting for better illumination, hydraulic windows, and adjustable shelving for product arrangement," the department said. These enhancements respond to complaints and suggestions received during the MyKiosk 1.0 phase. Despite the added features, rental rates remain affordable, not exceeding RM300 per month. KPKT clarified that a total of 7,243 MyKiosk units were supplied nationwide through 349 contractors for MyKiosk 1.0 and 446 contractors for MyKiosk 2.0. The project is designed to benefit 133 PBTs and create opportunities for 795 local contractors involved in kiosk supply. 'The occupancy rate of the kiosks depends largely on the availability of vendors willing to start businesses and the selection of strategic locations. 'However, we do not object to PBTs relocating underperforming kiosks to more strategic areas to support small traders and help them generate income," KPKT said. More Like This
